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Pack Lunch Like a Pro
When summer hits, you may think it’s about time you changed your eating habits. The typical soup and sandwich or crockpot meal may be sounding a little too heavy for a hot day. It’s time to take to the kitchen and try something fresh and new. If you live at Nickel Plate Station, our Fishers, Indiana apartments have everything you need to cook a quick and delicious lunch. We have spacious, modern kitchens with top-tier appliances and are within walking distance from the Fishers Farmers Market. But what exactly should you cook? Here are some ideas to lighten up your lunches for summer!

#1: Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad
Check out this recipe to change up your usual pasta salad or chicken salad. The Thai twist will give you a great dish that includes the protein you need with plenty of veggies and a homemade peanut sauce. You’ll also be skipping out on the high-fat content of mayo. If you’re going for a vegetarian twist, you can omit the chicken and add a protein alternative like tofu or chickpeas. Pair this salad with some fresh fruit for the perfect lunch on the go. Need a last-minute side dish and have extra ingredients? Just skip the chicken/protein and stick with the rest. You’ll still have a perfect light salad.

#2: Brisket Tacos
With summer comes juicy, slow-cooked meats, so why not bring them into your lunch plan? These brisket tacos are super versatile and can easily become three different meals to suit your needs and tastes. For your lunch, follow the recipe as-is and choose toppings to suit your tastes. Pair your tacos with a side of black beans for added protein. If you’re looking for a carb-friendly option, simply swap the tortillas for your favorite salad blend and you’ll have a hearty salad for any time. Also, if you just love brisket in general, why not make the brisket as a main dish on the weekend and use the leftover meat for your lunches during the week? We love a meal that works as hard as you do!

#3: California Roll Wraps
Some days you just crave sushi but don’t have the time to make it to your favorite sushi spot, have no clue how to make sushi, or maybe don’t trust the premade options at the grocery store. Instead, try this riff on the popular California roll. It leaves out the seaweed wrap and rice and adds some extra veggies and a wrap, but it still keeps those classic flavors with imitation crab, wasabi mayo (or plain), and creamy avocado. Working hard to avoid too many carbs? Skip the wrap and layer the ingredients on a bed of fresh lettuce to make a California roll salad or look for a veggie wrap. Pair your wrap with a favorite fruit, salad, or vegetable and dip.

#4: BBQ Chicken Salad
Summer means it’s also time to break out the BBQ sauce because it’s time to have a cookout. Craving that barbecue fix without the grill? Then this is the salad for you! It has a Southwest-style flair with corn, black beans, and cilantro. It also skips the typical sandwich bread and uses bowtie noodles instead so you don’t have to worry about soggy bread by lunchtime. You can skip the noodles instead and make this a sandwich or even a salad. It’s hearty enough to be a meal or you can opt to omit the chicken and bring it as a side dish for your next picnic or pitch-in. It’s sure to be a hit! This chicken salad pairs well with other fresh summer flavors like strawberries or watermelon.

#5: Vegan Soba Noodle Salad
If you need something light, easy, and quick, try this simple but satisfying vegan soba noodle salad. Soba noodles provide a good protein source without having to cook meat. The ingredient list only calls for 7 items, and there are only 3 steps before you get to enjoy your tasty creation. This is another flexible option for your lunch menu. You can easily add more veggies to make it even heartier or an additional protein source like seitan you can marinade in some of the sauce and sautee until crispy. Complete your meal with a side of fresh fruit.

Do you need an apartment in Fishers, IN that makes it easy to cook up your favorite creations this summer and beyond? Come explore Nickel Plate station in the heart of downtown Fishers and the Nickel Plate District. Our spacious floor plans feature stunning kitchens with quartz countertops, Samsung stainless steel appliances, and refrigerators with ice makers. Ready to learn more? Give us a call: (844) 669-4410